How can we apply the lepers' decision-making process to our own faith journey? Facing Reality with Spiritual Clarity “ ‘If we say, “Let us go into the city,” the famine is there, and we will die; but if we stay here, we will also die. So now, come, let us go into the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we will live; but if they kill us, we will die.’ ” —2 Kings 7:4 • The lepers took stock of their true condition—no denial, no excuses. • Honest appraisal is the first step of repentance: “When he came to his senses…” (Luke 15:17). • Application: Regularly examine the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Admit spiritual famine instead of masking it. Rejecting Passive Despair • They refused to sit and accept inevitable death. • Scripture condemns spiritual complacency: “Awake, O sleeper” (Ephesians 5:14). • Application: Identify areas of inertia (prayerlessness, hidden sin) and refuse to settle. Choosing a Bold, Faith-Based Risk • Three options: city (certain death), stay (certain death), enemy camp (possible mercy). • Faith often involves the “unknown but obedient” step: – Jonathan’s words echo the same courage: “Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf” (1 Samuel 14:6). – Hebrews 11:6 reminds that God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • Application: – Share the gospel though rejection seems likely. – Give generously when resources look scarce. – Obey a new ministry call though outcomes are unclear. Relying on God’s Sovereign Intervention • God amplified their small steps; the Arameans heard a “great army” and fled (2 Kings 7:6-7). • The pattern: human obedience, divine multiplication (John 6:9-11). • Application: Trust God to magnify obedient acts—even faltering, leper-like steps. Moving from Personal Rescue to Corporate Blessing • After finding abundance, the lepers said, “We are not doing right… let us go and tell” (2 Kings 7:9). • Salvation is never hoarded; it overflows (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). • Application: – Testify of answered prayer. – Disciple newer believers. – Invest in missions so others taste the same deliverance. Practical Takeaways for Today • Diagnose spiritual famine honestly. • Refuse paralysis; faith acts. • Step into God-directed risks, trusting His sovereignty. • Expect Him to do more than your step can accomplish. • Share every victory so the whole city hears of God’s provision. |
    |